Army Master Sgt. Benjamin A. Stevenson, 36, was on his tenth tour of duty in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq when he was killed Thursday in a remote area of eastern Afghanistan.

Few details are available on the circumstances that led to the death of the highly decorated soldier, from Canyon Lake, Texas.

However, a U.S. military official has now confirmed to CNN that Stevenson was the only U.S. casualty of a brutal two-day firefight against an al Qaeda-related group that erupted when U.S. and Afghan troops attacked an insurgent encampment, killing nearly 80 foreign fighters.

That single piece of information is a rare glimpse into the world of U.S. special operations forces who have done more tours than most in the last decade. Special forces tours of duty typically last six to eight months, compared to regular combat tours of one year. Many troops have spent more time away from home than at home, but little is said about what they do these days in fighting insurgent strongholds.

The official who confirmed Stevenson was part of this raid declined to be named because he was discussing the Army's Special Operations Command.

Stevenson was part of a U.S. and Afghan special operations mission that went in to attack the area in Afghanistan's Paktika province.

The camp they attacked and the fighters there were part of the so-called Haqqanni network, which is responsible for many recent attacks in Afghanistan and is closely tied to al Qaeda. The Haqqanis traditionally rely on Afghan and Pakistani fighters, but in this instance most of the fighters there who were killed were Arabs and Chechens, brought into Afghanistan from Pakistan.

That alone is a worrisome trend. A second U.S. military official tells CNN that the US is seeing the Haqqanis increasingly turn to foreign fighters they bring into Afghanistan.

"This is how they are expanding their capabilities," the official said. The U.S. believes this camp was an assembly and training point for these foreign fighters to stage attacks across Afghanistan.

During the two-day firefight against the camp, the U.S. troops found several caves and fortified bunkers. Airstrikes were called in using missile-equipped helicopters, fighter jets dropping precision weapons and unmanned drones.

Coalition forces were led to the camp by former insurgents, but it's not clear if the extent of the opposition was immediately clear to the coalition.

When the dust finally cleared, Stevenson was the only fatality. The U.S. military, still cloaked in secrecy, won't say how he perished.

soundoff(223 Responses)

Lynn

I went to school with Ben. I am honored to have known him. My husband was also in the military and did one tour during Desert Strike. I can't imagine how his loved ones must have felt letting him go 10 times and then losing him ultimately. Bless the American Hero. May there be a special place in Heaven for him.

For the price of 1 F35 fighter-we could build many RPG proof copters to support our Special Forces or Navy SEALS, etc..
or put far more boots on the ground. We waste billions on smarter bombs but rely on flying coffins that allow our enemy to shoot them down with ease.
We need more troops-more SEAL teams and better armored flying aircraft for close support of these missions.
may all our Special Forces be safe around the globe!

no doubt that our CIA was behind 911-but better yet Bush Jr & senior and Rumsfeld ought to be tried for high treason for their roles in allowing it to happen.Many ignore the fact that Rumsfeld had our military on stand down during the event and had planned an exercise that day that utilized civilian aircraft to mock an attack against the USA.
What a surprise it was when it turned out to be a real event.

Hey Quiet Profi Negative sit rep the other day!Lost two on that bird one from my home town Aaron Carson Vaugh of Stuart FLA. and Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Workman who was a friends little brother! Thoughts and prayers are appreciated.I did not know Vaughn personaly but J.Workman was a senior team 6 operator who was a top notch guy and will be missed buy the entire JSOC. Community!!! Thoughts and prayers for the families Vaugh left his wife son and 2 month old daughter! SINE PARI !!!!!! ENOUGH SAID!!!!!

Typical civi's dont know doodly squat !!!! These couch commandos have all the answers dont they!!!Let me ask you this have you been there?Have you walked a klick in our shoes? Opinionated morons who only know what they see and hear on the news! Talk about reliable sources!Whatever your political views are etc is no excuse for defaming an honorable man who died serving his country and people.How would you feel if this were your son or brother or father?
Alittle respect would be appreciated Thanks

Now hurry up I here Mc Donalds has two for one Bigmacs! You dont want to miss out !!!!!!

Remember Rangers Lead The Way!!!! Everyday! Sua Sponte!!! and have a nice day!!!

Thanks for the websites. I checked them out and found all three to be rather nutty. I would not rely on any of them as they seem to be purely agenda driven. I think I would rather rely on information from peer reviewed sources or from people that adhere to journalistic standards. Or even from some of the commenters posting here who have real and authentic experience. But thanks for your interest in trying to educate the world. It must be frustrating to be a 21st Century Cassandra!

Steven Earl Jones, a physicist from BYU are among many experts that have documented the facts I speak, much of it peer reviewed. Your comment about journalist and standards is an oxymoron, since most journalist are beholden to their corporate masters, just take a look at the ones that are quickly fired for speaking the truth. (one of yours with good standards is Gerlado Rivera who interviewed a commander that admitted to protecting the opium farmers...look it up) Most intelligent people do not believe the news media anymore, so continue to be brainwashed. I can almost be certain that you are a baby-boomer by the way you speak. Couldn't trust the government and the establishment so you became it and now your whole belief structure will crumble on one of these facts, so you simply right off the evidence and people showing you as nutty. Go drink some more kool-aid and go back to sleep. (if you think Larouchepac & solutions to the economic Armageddon we face is nutty god help you) I don't think you even looked at Architects & Engineers for 911 Truth...from the site: focuses solely on the forensic evidence available to prove that the three World Trade Center buildings were demolished as a means of proving to Congress that a new and independent investigation is warranted.
Richard Gage, AIA, is a San Francisco Bay Area architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects. He has been an architect for over 23 years and has worked on most types of building construction, including numerous fire-proofed, steel-framed buildings. Most recently, he worked on the construction documents for a $400M mixed-use urban project with 1.2 million square feet of retail, a parking structure, and 320,000 square feet of mid-rise office space—altogether with about 1,200 tons of steel framing. Mr. Gage became interested in researching the destruction of the WTC high-rises after hearing on the radio the startling conclusions of reluctant 9/11 researcher David Ray Griffin in 2006, which launched his own unyielding quest for the truth about 9/11. Since founding Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth, Gage has presented Blueprint for Truth all over the world. I have not meant anyone that has actually looked at the evidence and was not fully convinced..you just have to look at the facts with an open mind. If 911 was an inside job then everything else after is a fraud as well.

again how does your recent aquisition of the cut and paste skill justify your treasonous ignorance?

Do you really thnk anyone is reading your posts, soory waldo they are too long and too rambling. WHo told you a 4 day old CNN article was a good venue to spout your manifesto. Even if some of the facts are supportable you negatge any value with your method. Grow up then try again.

August 4, 2011 at 7:08 pm |

PicBugDotNet

I guess you didn't read that I pulled from that from a site... that was the point. Nothing wrong with cut and paste when you say that is what you are doing or making a factual point. You are asking for evidence because your too lazy to look for yourself on the site. The ship is sinking and you want to rearrange deck chairs by crying like a baby that you are being talked to harshly. If your sorry ass and Americans like you would wake up, none of us would be in this mess. I have been spreading the truth, supported and was a delegate for real patriots the last 25 years. I'm also responding to a 4 day post just like you are..it's called a debate so don't get too upset about it.
PS everything that I say is not just spouted, I am as skeptic as one can be and I always look for the proof in everything.

Well since the U.S. military is not mandatory for citizens, I'd say that volunteering one's self for the military and willingly going into deadly war zones does NOT fit the description of a sheep, like some of you have stated. Not to mention Americans are NOT recruited at young ages to train and be brainwashed to kill anyone who decides not to practice their religion like some "other" areas of the world. Is that not sheepish? Because if one of them had ever put the barrel to you or your families head, I guarantee the so called "reasoning" and "logic" people like you think you have wouldn't deter them from pulling the trigger.
It goes without saying that it's courageous to put one's life on the line for the well being of strangers. Most of the trolls on these forums act so righteous thinking they know what's best for these foreign nations, but wouldn't help a fellow American (or a human in general) on the street in front of their own house if they were in distress. Yet they have not, and will not ever, experience an afghan native looking up to them from a tent-hospital bed thanking them for saving them and their families. Fact is, there are lots of oppressed citizens over there that really do appreciate our help. But those of you "couch patriots" out there will never know that because you're to busy calling everybody else "ignorant puppets" and not doing a damn thing about it yourselves. I'm not saying that ANYONE truly knows what's BEST for these people...but sitting around doing nothing gets just as many people killed. See Libya and Syria. If you were in these people's situations, you'd be asking for help too...and then probably whining when the Rangers didn't come so save your a** from your extremist dictator.

Well said !! Bring back the draft. Can see it now. All the couch patriots will get dismal ASVAB scores and wind up walking point. What is walking point? Your MOS will be IED Finder Locator. Whoops, another uneducated low life off the working tax payers back !

The loss of another one of our brothers in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our cause. This man was a true american and will be remembered by those of us who are true americans such as MSG Stevenson.

P.S.- All you couch commandoes out there whos warzone is located in their living room need to relize what sacrifices our american military men and women make to ensure your saftey and freedom. Or better yet, if you prefer, we could all just quit and let the terrorist come to your home and rape, beat, and kill your family. We dont put our lives on the frontline because we feel the need to committ endless acts of murder for our own personal pleasure, we do this because we belive in what our country stands for and our cause is just. From the very day this nation was founded we gave our lives to defend people like you from tryanny and terroism at home and abroad so you could go to sleep at night in your comfy bed with no worries.

First off this guy died for nothing. Second he wasnt defending us. This "war" has been an occupation from the get go. I guarantee that if we leave afghanistan no one is following us home. Our presence there has, if nothing else, made us all unsafer because we have created so many more enemies.

And yes, America in the beginning was founded on defending itself from a tyranny, NOT EXPORTING WAR TO OTHER PLACES WHERE THE PEOPLE THERE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH 911. Get that through your head son. Afghanistan had nothing to do with 911. Think about it and digest it.

The military has been lied to, used and abused and all the dead soldiers from that conflict have died for NOTHING but lies.

And just so you know, real soldiers never demand that people acknowledge their sacrifices. True soldiers realize that average joe is never going to hear about the battles they fought, the wounds they suffer, and the friends they lost.

It's good to hear the voice of reason in such an emotionally charged are of diatribe against truth. There's nothing glorious about violence and aggression – for it is the province of hatred, and hatred feeds on futility like a spreading virus. Our sons and daughters will never know the truth because they are intent on the thrill of the adrenalin rush of danger. What a pity they could not just experience the loving-kindness of testosterone instead, like flowers ....who just love. That is the world the great spirit created! not blood and guts! that was only the product of greedy and frustrated men....

August 4, 2011 at 5:16 pm |

MedicMax

You can claim that my brothers died for nothing, but nothing could be further from the truth. I have seen the changes in these distant lands, something I doubt you have done, and I have seen with my own eyes that things are improving for these people. And by improving their lives we deny fringe groups from expoiting the situation, thus keeping our homeland safe.

August 6, 2011 at 1:37 am |

ODA

to James and all you other ignorant Americans, who actually do not even have the right to be called americans. You are a fool. If you really believe that afghanistan had nothing to do with 9-11. If you believe that all soldiers have died in vain. If you believe that there are not terrorist here on the home front. Just because you do not hear about it, or personally are mentally handicapped and in capable of formulating a educated thought, doesn't mean its not real. Your lucky for the men and women who serve. Especially the socom personal. I will not debate you or challenge you. You do have a right to free speech, but think about how you got that right. Maybe next time you will want to get your college educated, none real world experienced self a second to practice patience. Maybe next time you will not blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind. Learn some humility, and take it from all these humble professionals. Do your job, shut your mouth

August 8, 2011 at 10:47 am |

Quiet Profi

"De Opresso Liber" – To Liberate the Oppressed; This motto the foundation of why he was willing to give his life.

Those without such resolve will never understand and always consider it folly to risk ones life for a stranger; none the less we will hold true to our oath and protect this individuals right remain ignorant.

Actually you did bring up oil. (Not only is this about killing off millions of Muslims and taking their oil, but the US soldiers are actively in the opium business.)(your statement). And, what do you mean that "...US soldiers are actively in the opium business? I doubt the warlords would allow outsiders to get "a piece of the action". What are your sources of information?

That is what I mean... the warlords? what? There was no opium production under Taliban rule...not until the USA illegally invaded did opium go to 90% of the worlds production. Yes, US soldiers are actively helping, protecting farmers in planting poppy fields. Believing that, matters not.... really, you have to see it, because you are asleep and will not believe anything until you wake up, that is the nature of denial. You have a perfect little bubble that you live in that you don't want to go outside of. One change in beliefs can take down your entire belief structure...sometimes we have to look at our axiomatic assumptions and be willing to change them. Remember, simply just because you "believe" something does not make it so. If you question anything, then simply look it up and see it for yourself. You should not have any problem finding it since it comes from our own government, documented and main stream news. You just have to look..that's all.

Great... So WHERE are you allegedy looking? Again... I'd love some resources on this.. and Wikipedia doesn't count.

August 4, 2011 at 12:45 am |

ninja86

You do realize that opium has been produced in the Middle East for hundreds of years, and was a popular export to the west until science started showing how dangerous drugs are. The US military is not at all responsible for the opium trade. Try opening a history book once in a while, instead of looking for ridiculous conspiracy theories on the internet.

August 12, 2011 at 12:49 pm |

Barada

How much oil does Afghanistan produce? Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy it from the countries that actually do produce oil? Picbugdotnet, you should do a little research before you spout off in public.

well they just happen to have the largest gas line in the world, produce virtually all the opium in the world and have some of the richest resources on this planet. Not to mention that it is strategically located next to Iran and other so called enemies. I do not have to do my homework.. I already have and there is nothing you can say except what you regurgitate from the mass media. You have no original thoughts of your own.. just watch more of your master brainwashing boob-toob and come her to spew what they tell you. Make yourself useful and fight like a patriot for your country by waking up and telling your friends to wake up. Here... let me light a fuse for you, look up operation Northwoods and read that or better yet, check out the fact that American troops are in the opium business now. Have you anything to say about that? Is it ok that our troops are responsible for the massive amounts of cheap heroin hitting the streets of Russia and Europe? Wake up!

Are you actually that much of an idiot or are you just spouting what you have been told? You make Geroge Bush look like a genius with a good heart.

August 3, 2011 at 6:35 pm |

PicBugDotNet

Nobody said anything about oil, so Here..choke on this:

Afghanistan, often dismissed in the West as an impoverished and failed state, is sitting on $1 trillion of untapped minerals, according to new calculations from surveys conducted jointly by the Pentagon and the US Geological Survey.

The sheer size of the deposits – including copper, gold, iron and cobalt as well as vast amounts of lithium, a key component in batteries of Western lifestyle staples such as laptops and BlackBerrys – holds out the possibility that Afghanistan, ravaged by decades of conflict, might become one of the most important and lucrative centres of mining in the world.

ninja86. First of all I am referring to the current opium production in Afghanistan going from virtually zero under the Taliban (2001) to 90% of the worlds production under occupied Afghanistan. That is a fact. If you want to talk about history, we can start with the opium wars if you like, where a British imperial banking system of death and usury was fully involved in the drug trade all the way up to the present day. Your entire banking system is laundering drug monies, including Citi Bank and JPMorgan, not to mention the CIA involvement in drug running. Get it through your head people, the world is being run by organized criminals. This crap where you think we are making peoples lives better and spreading "democracy" around the world from a barrel of a gun, is comical. (Since when is the USA a democracy anyway?) It is not difficult, we first have to stop installing dictators around the world and then when they get out of hand, start a war. It really does not matter anyway, the entire global monetary system is in a collapse and there is not a thing that can be done. The question is, are we going to go down with the sinking ship or put this system through bankruptcy and get rid of all the gambling debts called derivatives. (over 1.5 quadrillion dollars) Are we going to begin massive infrastructure projects and colonize Mars or are we gonna continue to support Hitler and his army. This is madness and anyone that cant see it is asleep...go to larouchpac,,WAKE UP PEOPLE

@SociallyDistorted
You own your name! The US has suffered from a false flag operation, aimed at projecting powers (legitimately) in countries of strategic interests! You are naive to claim that alternative fuels can power a war, since only oil can provide the technologies and the fuels based on hydrocarbons derivatives! Other sources of energy are ineficient and not enough versatile to really represent an interest during a war... Germany has learn that, Japan too... You seems like a child to refer to such basic arguments... The U.N isn't made to make a war! It has been created to avert it! So a world war would have dismiss the pseudo leaderships of the U.N to resolve any crisis. As for NATO, if you look carefully, the countries that provides equipments, soldiers and bases, are the same! The remaining only allows CC's and flyzones, and in some other cases, access to their resources in time of needs! But without Europe, NATO is almost nothing! Japan has no military (only SDF), as Germany, France and Britain aren't the shadows of themselves compare to WWII... In effects your arguments seems mainly patriotic and based on false beliefs! I recomend you stop, playing video games, drink beer and look at TV... Then we may argue on the same footings!

I never said alternative fuels could power a war. I was simply responding to a ridiculous comment from ANOTHER uneducated person. Seperate topic. Thank you for your suggestions and will offer you the counter-suggestion of picking up a dictionary, or perhaps just enrolling in a remedial english grammar course at your local community college.

Re-read the comment I responded to then re-read my response. Don't worry, I accept your apology in advance.

Wow... I'm a little scared at the amount of poisoness talk on this post... The soilder died for his country: that is the important piece. This is not a religious campaign against muslims, nor is it a fight against those who own oil... this is a war in order to take out down a regime that had massive greviances against humanity and attacked the USA. I have a lot of friends serving overseas in support or on the front lines of this war and regardless of how you feel personally about our reasons for getting into this war and who is to blame they deserve your support. I've heard tremendous stories from them about how the locals are excited to help them or how the children look to them for courage and hope for a better life.

I personally am not a huge fan of guns so I went into a branch that allows me to protect our country, stop drug running, stop human trafficking, and help with search and rescues. Personally that is rewarding for me. I do believe that everyone should serve their country for a year or two like in many other countries. That could be working in an administrative sense as well. The options are very possible even for people who don't meet the physical requirements of military service if our country restructured for it but I don't see that happening any time soon.

I do seriously hope that we keep the eye on the important ideas here: we are there to help and be humanitarian, that men and women are sacrificing time with their families and lives for that mission, and that they will need our support when they come back (not too mention have earned it).

RIP to those we have lost, and fair wind and following seas to all other serving.

Wow Liz, I am scared of sheople like you who refuse to wake the hell up. First off this soldier died for a parasitical, imperialistic, foreign government, which, via a coup d'état, has taken over America and is on a quest to dominate the world in the disguise of democracy and freedom. (democracy and freedom are ox-morons). Not only is this about killing off millions of Muslims and taking their oil, but the US soldiers are actively in the opium business. This belief that men in caves attacked this country is so comical, that I do not even want to respond. If you have not done so and before it is too late, investigate the facts of 911 and all the other false flags. Remember what Celente says; if these countries major export was broccoli, would we be there?

@PicBugDotNet
1. Thanks for spelling my name wrong and for the general lack of respect in your reply. Evidentially the first amendment which I fight for isn't enough for you to at least attempt some semblance of civility.
2. I'm pretty sure that my chain of command is to the President of the United States. I've worked with a lot of other governments within my travel but the only one that ever issues an order to me is the United States so I'm unsure as to the foreign government with which you speak.
3. Please site some sources for this idea that American soldiers are in the opium business. I can personally say that just three months ago I helped bust over $500 million in drugs that were coming up from Central America region.... so I'd love to hear some credible sources on this alleged opium business.
4. Not only did I follow the investigations into 911 very intensely since I'm from New York and know people who died in said tragedy, but I was against going into Iraq. I do not think that Bush had the right idea there; Afghanistan is where we should have been to begin with. However, I am fully against the network that allows terrorists to flourish in any country. And yes... we still would be there if they exported broccoli. I promise. We cannot afford to allow terrorists to control policy or governments anywhere for the sake of humanity as a whole.
5. Btw I joined after 9/11... about six years after actually so please do not mistake my passion about that event with my military career. I still recall watching the towers fall live, the fear right afterwards, and going down to NYC to help. Did you go? I did with the American Red Cross and was in high school at the time. I try to serve my country whenever they are in need.
6. Using that event or the death of a solider as politic fodder is disgusting to me. I would hope that when a solider dies, even if you disagree with how, you would show that family and the military in general some thanks for their sacrifices that allow us to have this discussion. Regardless of how you feel about the politics: again the important part is that someone died. May they RIP. And again... the point of my post was how scary it was that everyone was so poisoness in their speak on here instead of being civil.

RIP to those we have lost, and fair wind and following seas to all other serving.

OS2

August 4, 2011 at 12:40 am |

PicBugDotNet

Before the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, the Taliban had a ban on opium production. Opium production fell by more than 90 per cent. The U.S. supported and began protecting the production of opium. Under the interim government of Hamid Karzai, opium production began to skyrocket. According to the United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP), opium cultivation increased by 657 per cent in 2002 in relation to its 2001 level. The UNDCP estimated 2002 opium poppy cultivation would cover an area between 45,000 and 65,000 hectares. Opium cultivation in 2001 had fallen to an estimated 7,606 hectares. (down to virtually zero production after Taliban placed the ban) According to the UN, in 2006 alone Afghanistan supplied 92 percent of the world’s supply of opium. ( take a look at Prof. Michel Chossudovsky Third World Traveler http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Afghanistan/US_Forces_Narcotics_Trade.html ) The US is even taxing the opium. You obviously have a computer and if you want to find that this is true it is not hard to find. I do not think that I can list URL's here as sources, so it is easier for you to simply look it up. As far as 911, just go to Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth. If you still believe the official 911 report, then you really are asleep. Just research it. Nobody I know that honestly looks at all the evidence believes the official story. It is just a matter of you making the choice to look at it. The evidence is so beyond a doubt that it is a waste of time to even try and convince someone who just refuses to look. Remember, the "terrorist" were from Saudi Arabia, the Bush family and Bin Laden family were together the day before 911. General Albert Stubblebine, U.S. Army (ret) – Commanding General of Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), 1981 – 1984. Also commanded U.S. Army's Intelligence Center. Former head of Imagery Interpretation for Scientific and Technical Intelligence. 32-year Army career. Inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 1990.

Video: "One of my experiences in the Army was being in charge of the Army's Imagery Interpretation for Scientific and Technical Intelligence during the Cold War. I measured pieces of Soviet equipment from photographs. It was my job. I look at the hole in the Pentagon and I look at the size of an airplane that was supposed to have hit the Pentagon. And I said, ‘The plane does not fit in that hole'. So what did hit the Pentagon? What hit it? Where is it? What's going on?" http://www.undersiegemovie.com... . Another video of General Stubblebine's testimony is available here.

Col. Robert Bowman, PhD, U.S. Air Force (ret) – Director of Advanced Space Programs Development under Presidents Ford and Carter. Air Force fighter pilot, over 100 combat missions. PhD in Aeronautics, Nuclear Engineering.

Video: "A lot of these pieces of information, taken together, prove that the official story ... of 9/11 is a bunch of hogwash. It's impossible. … There's a second group of facts having to do with the cover up. Taken together these things prove that high levels of our government don't want us to know what happened. Who gained from 9/11? Who covered up crucial information? And who put out the patently false stories about 9/11 in the first place? I think the case is pretty clear that it's highly placed individuals in the administration with all roads passing through Dick Cheney. I think the very kindest thing that we can say about George W. Bush and all the people in the U.S. Government that have been involved in this massive cover-up ... is that they were aware of impending attacks and let them happen. However even that is high treason and conspiracy to commit murder." http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid...

August 4, 2011 at 1:08 pm |

Quiet Profi

OK , so let's assume you have your facts correct and all that you posted is true..... How does that justify your flagrant disrespect of an american fighting man, your clam to have been military causeed an involuntary gag reaction. The thought that a former soldier shows such treasonous disrespect is evidence you never intended to honor your oath. You are as bad as the Bush you maligned so vehememntly (no matter how accurate the allegations may be) You shame every real soldier, not with your opinions but with your treason.

August 4, 2011 at 1:27 pm |

PicBugDotNet

I might add that Obama Bin Laden was never wanted for 911, he came out and said that he had nothing to do with it. He was on the FBI most wanted, but not for 911. When the FBI was asked, they said their was no evidence that he was responsible for 911. Going to Afghanistan was already planned before 911. There was absolutely no reason to go there, Bin Laden was not there, there was no evidence of him being there and no evidence that he committed the 911 attacks. He supposedly was killed in Pakistan, so point proven. (I smell a rat on that). So now the US is alleys with Al-CIA-duh in Libya! Go to Larouchepac , thirdworldtraveler and infowars , good information there and all backed up. The truth is out there people just dont want to see it.

August 4, 2011 at 1:38 pm |

Quiet Profi

Again, how does that justify your treason? I don't dispoute the facts you spout just your lack of love for your country. Why don't you go join a society you can feel proud of being part of if you don't want to be part of ours?

August 4, 2011 at 1:54 pm |

r3y3s00

its more like a foreign power is against us and wants to destroy us rather than control us. nobody can control america completely, so they destroy it.

March 21, 2016 at 6:17 pm |

CosmicOps

Bloody Well Right ROGER !!!!
Just one point to ad, you have brothers in arms in Canada also.

Cee=eh N-eh Dee-eh ,
the only nation to ever successfully invade the US and capture the white house and the only nation that had the nads to rescue, protect, and smuggle US citizens out of Tehran when the Embassy was taken. Historically Canada is our most trusted friend. I'm sure glad our forefathers came to their senses and realized Canada and the US were meant to be allies.

So they can attack our countries but we shouldn't hunt them down in theirs. That doesn't make any sence you tools. All I can say is thank god for those who would serve so folk like me can work our 9-5 jobs without worrying if my bus will blowup on the way home. It might show up late most days, but that's my biggest worry. I don't speak German because of better men and woman. Oz and New Zealand would have fallen to the Japs in WW2 had the US not come. My friend died in Iraq, my other friend is in Aftg right now. My father has been a rev twice over there. Just a reminder for you americans that there's alot of bad press out there but there are those of us who thankyou, and which you all safe tours and hopefully a ride home soon. Good hunting.

I support our soldiers 100%, I just dont support all the decisions of government. I really feel we would be better off focusing more on home defense from home, rather than leaving the back door locked with a hook and eye, and running around the city in circles with Uzis. Of course each of our soldiers is a loyal and brave protector. They will each make a difference in something in some persons life somewhere no matter what, for the good. Our military just needs better direction, and select teams to do select jobs or international arrests.

Nobody attacked our country. Men in caves have no way of attacking our country. If you think 911 was carried out by Muslims, then your a fool! I didn't think there was really anyone left that actually believes in the biggest conspiracy theory lie of the criminal government that has taken over our country. I am as patriotic as they come, THIS IS NOT YOUR GOVERNMENT! GET THAT THROUGH YOUR HEAD.

@ Ben James. Innocent people die all the time. More of natural disasters than war. You obviously never served our great nation, otherwise you would understand the basic idea of "Acceptable Collateral Damage." Your ignorant; lets all get along, peace talk is way to liberal for REAL Americans.

Who's land and oil is being stolen? I assure you Ben James, without shadow of a doubt, America has absolute zero interest in Afghan land. If you take the time to read a book or two, you will understand the SF community conducts raids based on target packages and intelligence. They don't go out into the Afghan wilderness and kill innocent civilians for sport. You are correct about one thing though; the 1,000,000 Iraqi civilians who have been killed. And that was carried out at the hand of their brilliant leader and his band of goons who murdered anyone who opposed him. His sons often killed women and children for fun and were fond of the worlds oldest profession, prostitution.

Now if you want an accurate platform from which you can base your opinions, I suggest you head down to your local recruiting office and volunteer to take a vacation overseas. I have a feeling you will quickly change your tune once you see your first dead American who stepped on an IED and was blown to pieces. Grow up and open your eyes.

Our special forces killing human beings in their homes thousands of miles away. Disgusting. The terrorists are succeeding beyond their wildest dreams. Civil liberties are being dismantled on the laughable pretext that we're being kept "safe." The country continuing to hemorrhage money it doesn't have. Growing poverty in America, which will lead to instability and rebellion and the probably establishment of a police state.

I doubt our enemies could be any happier. Poor Ben Stevenson threw his life away for DC thugs and corporate war profiteers. Sad.

It is with the help of the special forces and other military members that you are free to voice an opinion so blatantly ignorant of the facts on the ground in Afghanistan. The people that this Special Forces member died were trying to kill him and all other Americans in Afghanistan. Do you remember why we went into Afghanistan in the first place? Remember 9/11 and the people that died there? Would you rather we left them alone to do it again?

We gather intelligence on these people before going into an area and try to capture them or kill them if they resist. Why don't you go to Afghanistan and take a trip up to this region and see if you can survive for a day. I doubt these terrorists would give you a second thought after torturing and then eventually killing you. You talk of civil liberties but these terrorists could care less for the civil liberties we cherish here in the States. All they want is for non-Muslems to die and for the world to be under the rule of the Islamic faith and laws. In Afghanistan the Taliban and al-Quida don't believe in the laws or ciivil liberites we here in the US enjoy and only use the media to turn people like you against the military. Just like the North Vietnamese did in the Vietnam Conflict. And it is people like you that they use the media to garner support for their cause.

Ben Stevenson died as a hero and patriot because he is doing something you can never do and that is serve your country patriotically and die doing what he believed in...Freedom for all...

Remember that tonight when you are sleeping comfortably in your bed while there are more guys like Ben Stevenson that are in Afghanistan trying to do their small part in kepping the US safe from terrorists.

Obviously most Americans are unaware of the geopolitical marasm the US has fallen into! The real reasons of those invasions aren't because of 9/11 at all! It was to contain Russia ambitions to gain the monopoly in the Energy market of the whole EURO zone! If the Russian were to gain controls of the pipeline of the middle east, the EURO zone wouldn't have been able to oppose Russia and the Chinese in the next world war... Without oil access, you can't fly planes, or move tanks on a battlefield! So if the Russians were to succeed in consolidating their grasp on strategic oil access, the US would have been pit against CHina, and Russia, while being stuck with Canada and maybe Mexico as main allies...
So no wonder our industry is trying to get away from oil, so since 9/11, hybrid and electric cars have started to appear en masse, and alternative energy sources, like wind, waves and solar have seen records investments!! No really, this war wasn't really to save the US from a bunch of wannabe terrorist, but from a much more insidious threat, that the Politicians in DC couldn't explain clearly to the average Americans...

July 30, 2011 at 11:41 pm |

SociallyDistorted

@PBARR – These "wannabe" terrorists have been successful in killing thousands of Americans. I shutter at the thought of someone calling them wannabes. And you mention Canada and Mexico as our only allies, have you forgotten about the rest of the U.N.? I know, these are hard concepts for an ignorant conspiracy theorist to grasp but please, don't be obtuse on public forums. It doesn't speak will to your stance. I could speak "alternative fuel sources" with you for days and I can tell you my interest comes purely from an environmental and cost-saving standpoint rather than a reaction from this supposed inevitable attack from Russia and China. You must've just watched Red Dawn, huh?

@Roger – Well said brother! Keep on keepin on.

August 2, 2011 at 8:43 am |

PicBugDotNet

I am so tired of hearing about these so called terrorist! This is why we went to Afghanistan? Come on people, the "terrorist" were all from Saudi Arabia and most of them are still alive! So the plans to invade were already on the table for Iraq and Afghanistan...can you tell me why we went into Iraq again? Sure was not for 911 and definitely was not for WMD since the world knew that he was blown back to the stone age the first time around. I am just so astounded at the stupidity of the American people to think that terrorism is a real threat. More people die from peanut allergies and a half million people die from heart disease. Anyone who still believes in these wars and all the other treasonous acts of the federal government, should stop letting themselves be brainwashed... think for yourselves, do your homework. Everything you need to know is right here on the web, all public and well documented. I suggest starting at laroucpac or watching the well documented videos put together by patriots. Remember, in history, there has never been an economic collapse with a war to follow. The quadrillions of dollars of debt is enough to retire everyone on this planet, it is owed & owned by nobody and is there to enslave the world, this is why we are in war and as the collapse becomes hyperbolic, human civilization will be taken into a new dark age.

August 3, 2011 at 6:19 pm |

Ben James

Right on. Killing people to steal their land and oil is murder plane and simple. Over 1,000,000 innocent civilians have been murdered in Iraq alone. When will we stop the killing?

While I have nothing but the utmost respect to the men and women in our Armed Forces, what I find depressing is that we now soldiers who have spent more years in combat zones than the brave veterans who fought in the WWII. My thought and prayers to each one of them and for their safe return home.

God bless American even if we kill innocent civilians by the millions to steal their land and oil. That's murder not patriotism, any way you say it is murder! So what do we end up with, special murder forces to kill innocents and steal their birth right.

Wow you tell someone else not to be so ignorant and then you post ignorant comments. Typical moron American. I will be glad when your country finally collapses and you can see what it is like to live in 3rd world conditions.

You lost in Afghanistan. Bin Laden won. He drew your country into a hopeless war that has helped bankrupt your country and send about 2000 brave men and women to an early grave, never mind the wounded.

Shame on America.

July 28, 2011 at 4:03 pm |

Ben James

You sound like such a likable guy, when can we meet for a beer?

July 29, 2011 at 1:11 pm |

dirty

Ben James- plz..ur one of these cowards that spews their bs online..u dont have the nuts to say these things in public grow a pair

July 30, 2011 at 2:25 am |

SGTWARDOG

I second Kevin's opinion.

July 30, 2011 at 6:15 am |

thewatcher

what would you do if your family and friends are murdered and killed by some other country military. Will you go and join hands with them? Or will you kiss their boots and beg for your life? Or would you fight against them?

September 20, 2011 at 3:32 pm |

Kevin

One more thing: Since when has Afghanistan started producing oil? They grow opium and produce heroin that kills the people in China, Russia, Europe, and the US

Hey BJ, why don't you tell us all what your country has done to make this a better world.

July 28, 2011 at 5:48 pm |

thewatcher

Right and that is the exact thing which the US military protects and transports in Afghanistan to the world! Under Taliban the growing of drug seeds was banned but after US invasion the production has increased to upto 95% of the the worlds supply.

@Ben James – You should move to Afghanistan if you dislike America so much. Hell, I'll even pay for your flight. I would love to know that I was responsible for removing one more jackass with a skewed perspective from the country.

Fight them here or fight them there,wich do you prefer ?Either way we will have to fight them!!!! For you Americans who still live in a fantasy world who think if we take a more loving and peaceful approach things will be all better with these extreamist savadges!!!! I am here to inform you! YOU ARE MISTAKEN !!! Seriously You see what we are fighting here is a battle of idiologies! They will not be happy even if peace were offered,until all christians and jews are dead or converts of Islam!!! I for one will go down fighting,and not sit by and do nothing!!! Thats what Americans do and have always done!!
As I write this the pussification of America continues!!! We have gone from rugged individualists and pioneers to a society of colledge educated ,dependant morons who cant even change a flat!!! So if I die tell my wife and my three children I love them!!! Remember I will have died defending your right to post ridiculous comments!! I will have died defending your right to free speach however uninformed it might be!! It is because of brave American men and Women who are unselfish and who put themselves in harms way that you still have your right to bash the military,America and our gov.We are not perfect but we are still the best nation in the world. God Bless America.

P.S. Get off your lazy fat asses take a stand put your money where your mouths are and make a difference!!!! Or shut the hell up!!! F oxtrot
T ango
W hisky
OVER!!!!

They don't care about your pity. They know that their husband and father answered a call to duty and protected them, and your sorry, ungrateful, ignorant, lazy as.s You are the proof of how unthankful of a job it is.

July 28, 2011 at 1:53 pm |

Roger

Talking about brainwashed...you are no better then the extremists we are now figthing each and every day. The people we are fighting only know what their clerics tell them. They are uneducated and don't get to know of the world outside their homes and thus think all non-muslems/islamics are evil and are a lesser people. Why don't you take yourself to Afghanstan and try to talk peace with them and see how long you are allowed to live? I am betting you don't have the guts to go there.

The only thing I am sorry for is not being able to join my brothers in Arms in Afghanistan and help defend this country and fight for the freedoms you take for granted. It is those that fight and die for this country that allow you to be able to have an opinion and to voice it too. Try doing that in Afghanistan in the region this fight took place. You would be beaten if you had an opinion that wasn't that of the Clerics or the Imam.

Ranger 830 and his family are proud americans and will never accept any pity from a non-american like you.

July 29, 2011 at 8:50 am |

hupphup

Reply @Roger and the rest

Perhaps one day you will realize that it is the army that will eventually economically destroy this nation, not those savages in caves. Within few years, Afghanistan and its people will become completely irrelevant as you won't have a job and will become dependent on government assistance, I wish you good luck🙂

August 1, 2011 at 8:44 am |

Ranger Rick

Well hupphup.........you can keep your sympathy to your f____ing self. Don't you dare feel sorry for me. Cause I will never feel sorry for you. I'm just happy to provide those freedoms for ya. So please continue with your rhetoric. I'm actually fighting in Mulla Omar's home town, right now, relaying that to the locals. I always talk to the locals about the democracy all US citizens enjoy.

Rangers Lead The Way!!!!

August 2, 2011 at 5:02 am |

Ranger Rick

Oh....I'm sorry. Did I say fighting in Mulla Omar's home town? I meant living there😛

Hey Ranger 830, Now that's an IO splash for your ass brother. Last month we painted and refurbished the mosque Mulla Omar use to teach his rhetoric from............not to mention.......... its the birthplace of the taliban.

HOOAH!!!!!!

August 2, 2011 at 5:12 am |

hupphup

@Ranger Rick

Man, do I feel so much better and safer now, will surely sleep well tonight knowing you are there in Kandahar, keeping an eye for the Fatherland🙂 Isn't that what Germans sang when they reached Volga in 1942 ? Well. we all remember how that made Germany safe and how it all ended up ... you know what, just keep fighting and dying for ideas created by men you never met and never will. Just know that they will always profit and you will always loose. I really feel sorry for you and your family, you sure deserve better !!🙂

August 3, 2011 at 10:10 am |

Ranger Rick

Hey hupphup................YOU'RE WELCOME

August 6, 2011 at 7:17 am |

Ben James

God bless American even if we kill innocent civilians by the millions to steal their land and oil. That's murder not patriotism son, any way you say it it is murder!

so then, tell me wht is patriotism, Mr Ben James. Have u ever done anithing to deserve the right to even say that word. How many of your friends have you seen get killed, or injuried when an IED goes off. Or how many times have you walked side by side with Afghan National Police through an Afghan town at 2 in the morning. Not knowing what's around the next corner, or wether you'll get back to base alive in time for an MRE breakfast. think about it, and then talk about patriotism.

July 30, 2011 at 8:21 am |

Steve

To all of those who say we are stealing oil, my question to you is....how in the hell are we stealing it when we are paying almost $4 a gallon? If we were "stealing" it, don't you think it would be a bit cheaper. PLUS!!!! We are one of the only G8 countries who hasn't put wells into Iraq....hmmm........sounds like we are getting the big C in the A!

Hey Ben James......
And we are killing "innocent" people. Yeah, if you think that people who are laying IED material in place, moving munitions, and helping the Taliban, Al Qaeda, etc.....then I will gladly kill those "innocent" people. Wow...we've killed millions? When did that happen? You must have some great sources somewhere to come up with the number "millions". Thank a vet for your first amendment right (even though you are misguided. Millions...hilarious!

Those of you have not served....shut your holes! To all of those who are and who did serve...thank you!

When did you deploy to Afghanistan? What unit? Oh and you are literally a moron just in case you didnt know. Im sure its not your fault. America has a terrible education system turning out people who are as ignorant as the taliban. Except they have an excuse since they have no infrastructure. Whats your excuse?

i agree with ranger830 some people just will never really get it period!!!!! not wasting time and speaking my oppion only really matters to me but if you dont like america dont live here god bless our soldiers and thankyou for putting your lives to protect us hear!!!!!!

And who told you that "they will not stop until all Christians and Jews are dead". So basically you justify your attacking first with this bullshit reason. Do you have something that can see into the future please share with us as we too would like to see into it. Else don't blabber bullshit. No body cares what you think. Your action though does matter. And the actions of USA shows that it is nothing but a corrupt war monger. Ask your govt why they have hundreds of military bases around the world. Are they trying to police the world or to create a new world order. well this seems more likely. Besides are you a Zionists or a neo-con?

This war is ideological and Islam is the root of the problem. Muslim clerics (ayatollahs, mullahs, sheiks, muftis, ullemas, imans, etc) are the puppets to brainwash people's minds and transform them into irrational beasts, intolerant, full of hatred, violence, vengeance, discrimination without common sense and basic universal ethical and moral standards.
Strategies to combat this trend is to force and impose a complete religious freedom among Muslim societies without the social and culture stigmas. Counteract Islam with traditional Middle Eastern Christian Faiths who had survived the continuous struggle to abolish them from Muslim countries.

There are 14 million Arab Christians living peacefully in middle east. Extremism is rising due to injustice, murder, rape and destruction. Can you live normally in the condition they are living under US occupation? Why so many your Americans soldiers do suicide and take such extreme steps? Does the American govt not provide them with the best in class weapons and technology to fight and yet they are still depressed? Your Idea to solve all problems is to carpet bomb civilians, hospitals, schools? How will you react if some country does this with your country and your family is a victim?

Besides Islam has been there for more than a thousand years. Was World War 1 and 2 by Muslims? The Christians have killed and destroyed much much more than any Islamic country. see this link on who is a danger to the world peace or stay in your fantasy land? whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/dangertopeace.php

I love the responses from the soldiers on this thread. You men are amazing and no matter what these idiots say, all of you are heroes and deserve to be respected. They're just too afraid and too incompetent to do what you do.

I no more pity American soldiers being killed!! There is enough evidence of US govt crimes, false flags on the internet which makes more sense compared to the govt version. These so called soldiers (i would rather say criminals) are nothing but an accomplice to US govt crimes.

I dont think I could ever go fight for the US government again. I would for our country if it really needed it. But like the wars we have now going on, our country doesnt need them. Total waist of life and Money..

DITTO! We (America) are the back bone for so many, and then demonized for it. Why can't the "peaceful" Muslims stand against these animals? Unfortunately, I don't see an end; certainly it will get worse before it gets better.

How come I dont here outcry from the islamic community about the hanging of an 8 year old little boy?I only here the U.S. is bad and they have no right in our countrys.How come there is no outcry over madrasas basterdizing the Islamic faith in the way that they do?Poisoning the minds of children with there twisted version of Islam! Is this what the holly book preaches.True Islam preaches peace and tolerance does it not?How come you people wont stand up for yourselves and we have to do it for you,with no thanks I might add.YOU ARE SHEEPISH COWARDS WHO BEAT WOMEN AND HANG BOYS!!!!!! As long as it is muslim vs. muslim you say nothing and take no stand!!! Cowards!!!!! If crimes are commited by Muslims ie.terrorist acts etc. I guess that makes them ok right!!!!

It's all part of the Islamic brainwashed skit. They know people in this country will fall for the human rights wording and will do ANYTHING to split our country. The nation of Islam is dangerous and we better pay attention . They will be back to try to destroy us!! Sorry liberal people, this bunch does not care about humanity !! They are using our soft approach to life against us.

"True Islam preaches peace and tolerance does it not?" – NOT. It is a political ideology that uses force even on its own followers. The life of The Prophet Muhammed was anything but peaceful, and some wish to wallow in his lifestyle.

Okay, so isn't it about time they sent a couple of Special Ops teams into Tripoli, Libya? One to create a diversion while the other makes an assault on Muammar Gaddafi's compound, taking him out–just like Bin Laden.

The civil war there shouldn't be allowed to drag on any longer.

Quite frankly, I'm fed up with our society which is bred on comic book and movie Super Heroes who are shown cleaning up the bad guys in no time flat while the reality is that the world is plagued led by ludricrous dictators and despots who kill their own people with impunity and little if anything is done about it.

I'm thinking the Assesment and selection phase would be an obstacle for Sam.

Rick, keep yer eyes up, yer head down and when you send it....make it count.
RLTW

July 27, 2011 at 9:45 am |

Michelle

He has a point, but you make me feel Independance Day! ( I may now sign off, all issues are fully mentioned.) lol :)))

July 27, 2011 at 9:47 am |

ranger 830

I

July 28, 2011 at 8:35 am |

ranger 830

I second that motion Rangers lead the way,everyday!!! Dont worry when we send it counts we dont get paid to miss!!!
Sua Sponte and God Bless America!!!! Thanks For The Support even alittle means alot!!!!!!

July 28, 2011 at 8:39 am |

SoldierMedic

All The Way

July 30, 2011 at 8:38 am |

DrDiomededs

Judging from some comments, many Americans are clearly tired of war. Me too. But please still respect the warfighter.

Hey Q.P. Im here reading a paper from the 26th and I see where Iraqs Gov. is asking for us to stay longer to train police and military. W_hisky T_ango F_oxtrot over!!! They want us out until they see the end of the gravy train!!! In 05 we started training them to use toilet paper and teaching them personal hygene.Its now 2011 and we are now moving on to small unit tactics and actually aiming their weapons while firing them! BY 2013 they should have it down. LOL Sua Sponte Ranger lead the way!!!! Brother I assume wich I dont like to do,that Q.P. stands for quiet professional!! Were you a long taber ? Look forward to your reply. SSGT.XXXX 1/75TH

July 28, 2011 at 10:03 am |

Quiet Profi

A long tabber before they had long tabs, When I made the Q course they hadn't started issuing the SF tabs (Ranger tabs were abundant but you didn't see may scrolls) I think they authorized SF tabs in the mid 80's or thats when we started wearing them. I think civil affairs is a poor use of force multipliers, Rangers lead the way they don't wipe butts. SF has always had a humanitarian componant to our mission but I think social workers would be more appropriate.

July 28, 2011 at 11:02 am |

A.P.

Respects the soldiers?!? Should we respect the SS? They invaded and murdered as well. The armed forces are causing nothing but problems and at a great expense to our country. Could have done a lot of good if we spend the money wisely instead of investing in killing. We need schools and hospitals. Not more guns or jet-fighters

AP aside from your obvious cowardice, Your 20th century history is as bad as your current events. If you were even nominally educated you would know that not all SS were GeheimStadtsPolezei; not all were volunteers and that the Waffen SS were the equivalent of the US Ranger Battalions. So yes I do respect the SS soldier.

July 27, 2011 at 8:45 am |

ryan

Ap??? Seriously did you just compare the US military to the SS? You are obviously an UN-educated person who thinks they know what there talking about when truly they do not. Please let me inform you..... My tour to Iraq 2007, i worked in the reconstitution office, where in this particular office we set out and built schools, playgrounds, and other various community needs. You, need to stop watching the news, first off the news dose not report things like this because as history has shown us, we as people only pay attention to chaos. how about before you comment and compare us to a band of notable killers who killed under no jurisdiction but to serve there dictator. you pick up a book.... here are a few,

Something to die for
the good soldiers

it is not our soldiers who disgrace our country its the people such as yourself, how live under the freedom of the flag, that my brothers and i provide for you. enjoy your freedom, enjoy the rights, the right to be ignorant and UN-educated.

July 27, 2011 at 8:59 am |

Ranger Rick

I'll remember that comment when the wolf comes knocking on the US front door again.

July 27, 2011 at 9:04 am |

james watson

AP, you want more money for schools and hospitals to fund a bunch of feral kids who would rather rape and rob than learn anything. More money for hospitals for third world people to come and receive free health care and have more anchor babie. What we need is more money to exterminate them

July 27, 2011 at 9:14 am |

BEN

its rare occurences like this where I support bringing back the draft. just for this moron and his equally un-educated friends.

July 27, 2011 at 9:37 am |

Nansen

bet that he felt like a fool while dying. stupid soldiers still think that invading (like the nazi's did) will lead to anything good. Just leads to dead civilians and to more people rightly hating the US. Uniformed fools

wouldn't SDV-1 be a vessel not a unit.
Last time I saw a team inserrted via water it was an SBU who did the delivery but 20 years changes things. but I never met a sniper that was anything but a sniper. They tend to be a little independant and quirky.

July 27, 2011 at 8:52 am |

mofoman

Exo, get your pea-brain right. Marcus Luttrell, author of THE LONE SURVIVOR and NAVY CROSS RECIPIENT, was and always shall be a U.S. Navy corpsman/sniper...

July 27, 2011 at 10:52 am |

ExO Sucks

NEVER mock Socom.

July 27, 2011 at 10:57 am |

ExSrAmn

Really now? Mr. SEAL-Corpsman-Sniper-Extraordinaire..I can tell you first hand that EVERY SEAL, or for that matter, every SF soldier, airman, sailor or marine I've worked and trained with do not want to be known for what they do nor would they make a stupid comment such as yours. Stop pretending to be something your not, and never will be. If you are what you say you are you would have read the story and moved on.

We both know that SF. SEAL, Ranger, SAR and Recon medics are in fact combatants but this Wannabee isn't and never has been one. And you are correct , every sniper I have ever had was quiet to the point that it made people outside the team uncomfortable.

July 27, 2011 at 10:00 am |

EOD2MD

10th tour. This Soldier likely spent most of this century in the middle east while the majority of America needs to be reminded on a daily basis that we are still fully engaged in a real war with real sacrifices made on a daily basis. He gave his life for this country long before he fell in battle. Thank you for your service MSG. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I just paid $22.87 for an iPad2-64GB and my girlfriend loves her Panasonic Lumix GF 1 Camera that we got for $38.76 there arriving tomorrow by UPS. I will never pay such expensive retail prices in stores again. Especially when I also sold a 40 inch LED TV to my boss for $675 which only cost me $62.81 to buy. Here is the website we use to get it all from, CoolCent. com

Ohhh! I see. A man who willfully enlists in the military to serve a country that gives freedom of speech to morons must have enlisted only out of a desire to kill people? Nevermind that he was following orders, engaging an enemy (a training camp for terrorists...or did you forget about Sept 11?), and fighting for our freedoms.

Feel what you want regarding the Iraq war. Few would argue we are in Afghanistan for fraudulent reasons. It's still a hotbed for terrorists. I wish we were out of there by now. But the fact remains that the war in Afghanistan is a just war as we aren't fighting the Afghans, but the Taliban and those who harbor, support, and promote terrorism.

Master Sgt. Stevenson deserves more from us citizens than hate. He deserves our gratitude for doing something most of us could not or would not do. Go back to picketing high schools and abortion clinics moron.

Thank you for your service Master Sgt. Stevenson. You and your family deserve this country's honor, and you have it from me and everyone in my family.

July 27, 2011 at 9:07 am |

Quiet Profi

Familarize yourself with Navy Regs, A Corpsman can in fact be a CO and is not required to carry a weapon. he dosn't have to be a CO but it is one of the legal provisions. FYI I was a Weapons sargeant on a Team so I am far feom being a CO, I just respect them.

Do you think this is a permanent status now?I have always had issues about the occupation aspect, and felt this should have always been a special forces type assignment with maybe minor ground support in the beginning. In reading all the comments, I get a different feel/viewpoint, and would like to know if you think we will be on this front permanently. That particular gang will never be gone, don't you think?

Institutionalized murder is AWESOME! I'll pay any price to have super tough jack boots trampling the faces of people who never attacked the USA to begin with! Let's feed the murder machine until we're all totally broke and up to our necks in the blood of I-don't-care-who!

It's funny how al Qaeda took the credit for 911 but when they get their butts kicked everyone crys foul. They never attacked America, I guess it's wise not to take the credit if your not willing to man up.

@John
Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden did claim that he was the master mind of the 911 attackes. It was 3 and a half years after the fact? ( a ploy by the Bush administration) From a man who has never been afraid of claiming anything that he did. So I will give it to you and say that they did claim the attack (I'm pretty sure it was after both wars have already started). The fact that it was after the wars have already started makes both your points not valid but for argument sake I will say that the wars did not start tell late 2004 after He claimed he did the attacks . So we "declare war" on Al-Qaeda so that we can fight the Taliban? The Taliban is not only a group of people that just fights us because we are on there land but offered to give you Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden when he went to seek refuage with them even though it was aggainst their custumes to turn away people that sought their refuage. Insead the U.S. desides no we will not give Taliban any proof to stop this war and we will just fight them?

July 27, 2011 at 12:48 am |

Mar B

I'd love to go to war against you. You'd lose in a second. You're clueless. A pushover.

What a completely uniformed point of veiw Rhymeskeema! I truly thought most Americans were at least a lttle bit aware of current events. I simply cannot believe the total lack or reality for some people. bin laden and his ilk claimed the attack on the US over and over both publicly and privately. His #2 also did. Simple ordinary intelligence coupled with a little research and one can usually figure the truth. It must be either the lack of ordinary intelligence or inability to do honest reseach. I must admit I certainly hope and pray that you and the other uninformed, unread writers above are not representative of Americans. 🙂

Please note my comments were directed to the few ignorant writers who simply write whatever, facts be damned. haha. The little man who wrote about Bush and bin laden is sincerely and incredibly wrong. I thing simplemindedness is not always a blessing–sometimes it is a curse , as he has proven so aptly.

Sine Pari is the Motto of US Special Operations Command. It means "None Better" Frater sine pari just means Brothers, none Better; it is a goodbye from one SF to anotoher. I guess you had to be there, HUH.

July 27, 2011 at 7:55 am |

ex-navy

A majority of Americans, I'm sad to say, are very ignorant when it comes to geopolitics, sacrifice, and the effort required to provide for them a cushy little life with so many comforts. From us few who understand what makes this country great, thanks for your blood, sweat and tears to keep us safe. And RIP to the brave soldier who payed the ultimate price to allow the ignorant their chance to rant on the internet free from persecution.

Good quote Quiet Profi. A soldier serves his flag and U.S. Citizens. I am a democrat who vehemenlty disagreed with the invasion of Iraq but I love my country and I love our soldiers. Anyone who did not think we would go to war after being attacked on 9/11 are fools. More died on 9/11 than at pearl harbor. I just think Afghanistan and Pakistan is where we should have gone and not Iraq. In dealing with foreign interest one would always hope our country is right but right or wrong it is still our country. God bless our toops. Rest in Peace Brave Soldier Of Freedom, May God Bring Peace To Your Family. Good Day, Joe.

July 26, 2011 at 9:29 pm |

Quiet Profi

The Colors represent every single citizen. and that is exactly what Roosevelt was tryiing to say. We serve our people.

I fancy the point he is trying to make is that if they had kept the US/UK troops in Afghanistan in 2003 until they finished the job, this might all of been over by 2004-6. Instead the 'war on terror' became in many people's eyes a 'war on islam' when a country that had never sponsored a terrorist attack on the west was attacked and thousands of troops and billions of dollars worth of kit was pulled out of afghanistan into the persian gulf, giving the taleban and allied tribes space to get on the front foot, as well as a clear case to make to muslims all over the world that America would not rest until all muslims were in their sphere of influence (whether that is true or not, it became an easy arguament to make).

I have known some of these men...amazing resolve to do exactly what they are ordered to do. When one dies...A bit of each of us dies too, that is all their families can hold onto. I wish only that some day the rest can comed home and lead the full lives they deserve for their service.

@ Ryder - keep your pathetic ideological idiocy to yourself. This man was a brave and professional warrior - a high ranking NCO, highly decorated and superbly trained soldier who volunteered to serve his country. He was far from being poor - the same can't be said about your taste.

It's not in good taste, but it's pretty much true. That's why some say mandatory military service would be better – right now, the rich benefit, but don't experience any of the sacrifice. A small segment of society bears a disproportionally large share of the burden – and they are typically the poor to middle-class. It may be better if all Americans did a year of duty – it would be something that would bind everyone, rich and poor, to the country and instill a sense of shared duty and sacrifice.

July 26, 2011 at 7:20 pm |

Drew

@DH I understand where you're coming from but what about us true CO's? I believe that I cannot kill another man because Jesus has told his followers to love and not kill...I am very appreciative of what this country has done for me and I do not want to be know as a free loader. I volunteered with my local FD as soon out of high school as I could....would that be an option too?

July 26, 2011 at 7:49 pm |

Quiet Profi

@Drew CO's make great medics and corpsmen, several MOHs have been awarded to CO's. There is no dishonor in faith. Each man has his own calling follow yours.

July 26, 2011 at 8:04 pm |

Quiet Profi

@ Drew
http:/ /www.homeofheroes. com/profiles/profiles_doss.html

July 26, 2011 at 8:08 pm |

Drew

@DH the only way that I could be a medic is if I was aloud to serve and minister to both US forces and forces considered enemies to the US. I cannot go through training that would equip me with skills to kill if commanded, I rather have decided to try to save people's lives and maybe give them a second chance at having a deep personal relationship with their Creator. I appreciate your respectful tone tho... it seems like not many people these day appreciate our point of view....I am a Christian who was born and raised and continue to live in a Mennonite church.

July 26, 2011 at 8:50 pm |

Drew

Sorry I meant @Quiet Profi

July 26, 2011 at 8:55 pm |

Quiet Profi

Cpl Doss did exactly that. read his bio, he administered first aid to japanease soldiers during the battle.

July 26, 2011 at 9:13 pm |

TIm Moore

@ Quietprofi. FYI Corpsmen are not CO's. We carry weapons into battle right next to Marines, we use them for self defense and to defend our patients. The only noncombatant in Iraq or Afghanistan is the dead guy.

HM2 (FMF/CAC)

July 26, 2011 at 10:15 pm |

Quiet Profi

Familarize yourself with Navy Regs, A Corpsman may in fact be a CO and is not required to carry a weapon if his religion prevents it. . Obviously not all Corpsman are COs but it is one of the legal provisions. FYI I was a Weapons sargeant on a Team so I am far from being a CO, I just respect them.

July 26, 2011 at 10:34 pm |

Quiet Profi

I never menat to imply that Corpsman were COs only thatt it was an option and that historically COs who did serve in combat have received some of the highest honors. It takes real testicular fortitude to go into combat unarmed. I will never do it.

July 26, 2011 at 10:44 pm |

Black Cat Smoked Crack

@Drew, You can carry ammunition for the people that are willing to fight. Or food and water. Something useful.

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